CD Reviews

Days Gone By

Richard D. Hodgson | Madera, CA United States | 01/29/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this years ago on vinyl, and I still have it. The LP came with an authentic poster and ticket, an informative booklet which included some great photos and a listing (by date) of every show that ever played the Fillmore, and a bonus 7" 33-1/3 rpm "Words With Bill Graham" disc. The CD reissue, of course, doesn't give you the poster nor ticket, nor the extensive booklet, but the interview is included. Musically, this album is excellent. Some performances may be marginally better than others, but many are brilliant, and all were chosen by the artists themselves. The recording quality is amazingly good, especially when compared to many other live recordings of the period. What's also cool is that the album presents a number of very talented artists who were somewhat obscure at the time and almost unknown today-- but who deserve not to be forgotten. Alongside of those are great performances by bands and artists who went on to become legends. The incredible version of "Baby's Callin' Me Home" by Boz Scaggs is alone worth the cost of the set. The Dead's cover of "Johnny B. Goode" that appears here is the best I've yet heard-- far superior, to my ears, to the already great version that appears on "Skull & Roses". In addition are great performances by Quicksilver, The Sons, Santana, New Riders of the Purple Sage, Cold Blood, Tower of Power-- the list goes on. The "Final Night Jam" that closes out the set (with Taj Mahal, Boz Scaggs, Elvin Bishop and a host of others not even credited) is way cool. It all ends with "Greensleeves", often played at the end of the night, amid the sounds of the audience leaving the auditorium for the last time. Very poignant, indeed. Some may pan this album for various reasons, including the very inclusion of some of those more obscure artists. But I think they are missing the point. This is a documentation of a moment in time and history. And I for one would not want to be without it."

A great example of the most popular music of the time

Jason P. Gold | 07/21/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Fillmore was for its time the best showcase of the most popular bands and music of the era. Billy Graham brought together on stage some of the finest music and performers one could ever wish to to see and hear. This box set reflects that era and the music . My suggestion for anyone who grew up during this time is to sit back and enjoy the memories of Hot Tuna,Lamb,Cold Blood, It's a Beautiful Day, and Quicksilver Messenger Service. For the people to young to remember or not yet born then,listen to this and find out what moved Rock and Roll and a Nation."

A nostalgic, musical trip to the past.

GJHOW@aol.com | St. Charles, Missouri | 07/12/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album is a culmination of the greatest groups that highlighted that colorful era of the early seventies. It serves as a ear-splitting catalyst for re-living those days when concert tickets to the best events were four dollars and the artists were "real".The recordings are of the best quality, and on a good system, you can feel the depth of the music - a sense of actually being there. Thank you, Bill Graham and everyone at Fillmore. I cherish the memories."